When Renée Slegers, the interim head coach of Arsenal Women, stepped into the press room on October 15, 2025, she warned that the upcoming clash at Estádio da Luz would demand “a lot of intensity.” The warning was aimed at SL Benfica, the Portuguese side hosting the Group A fixture of the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2025/26Lisbon. The match, scheduled for 19:00 WEST on October 16, carried both bragging rights and a €300,000 prize for a win, making it a pivotal moment in the eight‑team group stage.
Match preview: stakes and strategy
Slegers, who took charge of Arsenal Women on December 15, 2024 after Jonas Eidevall’s departure, framed the encounter as a “must‑win” to keep the Gunners on a qualifying trajectory. She highlighted Benfica’s “tactical discipline and physical presence,” noting their impressive defensive record of just 12 goals conceded in 22 league games during the 2024/25 Liga BPI season. Across the board, Arsenal’s chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has emphasized that every point in the group stage directly impacts the club’s financial health, especially with UEFA handing out a €600,000 participation fee to each team.
Key players and line‑ups
Both managers announced strong starting XI’s. For Arsenal, keeper Manuela Zinsberger guarded the net, while the back‑line featured Lotte Wubben‑Moy and Steph Catley. In midfield, veteran Kim Little anchored play, with Lia Walti adding a creative spark. Up front, Alessia Russo was the focal point.
Benfica’s side, managed by Sonia Haziraj since July 2024, lined up with Patricia Morais in goal, defenders Matilde Fidalgo and Jucinara, and a midfield trio led by Ana Capeta. The attacking threat centered on Ana Borges, who had netted five goals in the opening half of the Portuguese season.
Game summary: a tightly contested 1‑1 draw
The match kicked off under the watchful eye of French referee Stéphanie Frappart, assisted by Brazil’s Neuza Back and Ireland’s Michelle O’Neill. VAR support came from Poland’s Tomasz Kwiatkowski.
Arsenal struck first in the 67th minute when Russo found space on the left and fired a low shot past Morais. Benfica responded with a late surge, and in the 89th minute, Borges headed in a corner to level the score. The final whistle blew at 21:00 WEST, leaving both sides with one point each.
Implications for Group A
With the draw, Arsenal remain second in the group, holding four points after two matches. Benfica’s haul rises to two points, placing them third behind Lyon, who topped the group with six points after a 2‑0 win over Barcelona on matchday 2. The Gunners now need a result against Lyon on October 23 to keep pace with the French side, while Benfica faces Barcelona in Amsterdam the same night.
Financially, the draw means Arsenal missed out on the €300,000 win bonus but still secured a €150,000 draw payment, adding to the base €600,000 participation fee. For Benfica, the money is equally important as they aim to fund their expanding women’s program.
Historical context and what lies ahead
These two clubs have met twice in the UWCL before. Arsenal enjoyed a 3‑1 home win in November 2023 and a 2‑0 away triumph in December 2023, both under former manager Eidevall. Slegers’ comment about Benfica’s defensive improvement reflects a shift; the Portuguese side conceded just 12 goals last season compared with 19 in 2022/23.
Looking forward, Arsenal will host Lyon at the Emirates Stadium on October 23, 2025, at 19:45 BST. That fixture could decide whether the Gunners finish top of Group A or slip to second. Meanwhile, Benfica travels to face Barcelona at the Johan Cruijff Arena on the same evening, a game that could see them climb back into contention for the final quarter‑final spot.
Fan engagement and media coverage
Live commentary was provided by TNT Sports, with the stream beginning at 18:30 WEST. The broadcast attracted roughly 250,000 concurrent viewers in the UK and a notable spike in social media mentions of both clubs. On the digital side, the YouTube channel “Fifa Live” released a 26‑minute FC 26 gameplay simulation of the match at 08:30 AM PDT, drawing over 120,000 views within the first 24 hours. The video’s description highlighted the “edge‑of‑your‑seat drama,” reflecting the real‑world intensity witnessed on the pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 1‑1 draw affect Arsenal Women’s chances of reaching the UWCL knockout stage?
Arsenal stay second in Group A with four points, three behind leaders Lyon. They must beat or draw with Lyon on October 23 to secure a top‑two finish; a loss could drop them to third and eliminate them from the knockout round.
What financial impact does the draw have on both clubs?
UEFA awards €150,000 for a draw, so each club adds that to the base €600,000 participation fee. A win would have brought €300,000, meaning Arsenal missed out on an extra €150,000 that could fund squad upgrades.
Who were the standout performers in the match?
Alessia Russo’s 67th‑minute strike earned Arsenal the lead, while Ana Borges’ late header salvaged a point for Benfica. Goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger made several key saves that kept the Gunners in the game.
What does the result tell us about Benfica’s defensive evolution?
Benfica’s ability to limit Arsenal to a single goal reflects the improved defensive structure Slegers mentioned; conceding just 12 goals in their domestic league last season shows a tighter back line that can compete with Europe’s elite.
When and where is Arsenal’s next UWCL fixture?
Arsenal host Lyon at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 23, 2025, kicking off at 19:45 BST. The match will be streamed live on TNT Sports and the club’s official digital platforms.